N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143B-451
The Board of Commissioners of Navigation and Pilotage for the Cape Fear River as provided for by G.S. 76-1, and the Board of Commissioners of Navigation and Pilotage for Old Topsail Inlet and Beaufort Bar as provided for by G.S. 76-59 are hereby transferred to the Department of Commerce. All powers, duties and authority of the Board of Commissioners of Navigation and Pilotage for the Cape Fear River and Bar and the Board of Commissioners of Navigation and Pilotage for Old Topsail Inlet and Beaufort Bar, as provided for in Chapter 76 of the General Statutes, shall continue to vest in the boards, as now provided by statute, independently of the direction, supervision, and control of the Secretary of Commerce. The commissions shall report their activity to the Governor through the Secretary of Commerce. The appointment to the boards shall continue to be made in the manner as provided by Chapter 76 of the General Statutes.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143B-451